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Glenn's First 90g Reef Build (1 Viewer)

RedHeckle

RedHeckle

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Joined
Oct 15, 2009
Messages
478
Location
Golden Valley, MN
After 15 years of working a 55g planted freshwater tank, the timing arised (ie: we replaced the carpet wit hardwood floors) to finally put an AGA 90g tank to use - This time attempting a saltwater reef!!! - The wife and I initially were thinking freshwater planted again, but she "gently" pushed me to go with a SW reef.

The tank has been sitting in the basement for 6 years, so I've had the tank moved to the garage and filled to perform a leak test. 5 days later - all good!!

What I have so far:
- AGA 90g tank (soon to have back drilled)
- Aqueon (AGA) Mission Oak stand/canopy, thanks to SWE for the deal!
- Solar T5HO 4x54w (need to get new bulbs, was rigged for FW)
- Koralia 4 powerhead
- 30g long for a sump (thanks to SaltRooky)

What's on order:
- 1500gph overflow from glass-holes.com, should get it by end of week, so I'll be drilling this weekend!

What's the next purchase:
- new bulbs for fixture, still need to determine combo
- 5 stage RO/DI unit
- 2 used 55g plastic barrels from Western Container in New Hope
- Reef Octopus Extreme 160
- glass baffles for sump

Not sure when the tank will be ready for it's final SW fill (with sand and dry rock), just taking it slow so I have time to research and plan so I can get this right.

Thanks to those folks who have already provided their wisdom to me!!! :beerchug:

I'm sure this SW reef newb will have more questions, until then, here are some pictures. It ain't real pretty, but everyone loves pictures!!!

Cheers,
Glenn
 
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Have fun setting it all up.

When you say "It ain't real pretty" you are not talking about the stand and canopy. I was in admiring that one today as I was getting ideas for my DIY stand and canopy. :beerchug:
 
Thanks Steve,

By "ain't pretty", I was referring to how stuff is not quite to where I wish I was in the project. But yes, that stand and canopy is pretty nice set up.

I was torn between doing a diy stand/canopy but the wife wanted a more "furniture" look, and time to build is dicey with a 3yr old and an 18 month old. Plus, the wife is still recovering after fighting breast cancer, so it's me pulling alot of child care duty while she finishes physical therapy.

She's the one pulling for a SW tank (she even "donated" her bonus check:biggthumpup:), but knew that it would be me to plan/maintain. So, this tank is dedicated for her and for what she had to endure and the unknown road ahead. My hope is that this will bring her joy and calm, plus keep our imagination going until we can go scuba diving again - she wants to vision herself diving within the reef as she looks into the tank.

Cheers,
Glenn
 
Hope your wife continues to recover!
Looks like you are going to have a really nice setup there
 
I have a 3 and 5 year old, so I know all about not having time to do project.

I wish your wife a full recovery,I've been through a major medical issue with my wife as well.

Hope you both get years of enjoyment out of the tank.
 
I love the scuba diving effect, especially in the dead of winter, its like a cube of summer combating against the cold outside! Look forward to see how it comes along!;)
 
Hi Glenn,

good start so far ;) I would get the 200 extreme if space is not a issue. Its a difference of $20 from the 160 to the 200 and its always nice to have a bigger skimmer. Also I feel the 160 is great for tanks up to 75 realistically with mid-bioload.

I would also run my return pump around that 500gph after determining your head pressure, the longer it can stay in your sump the more it can skim and filter. I would get more flow in your tank itself by adding maybe 2 more K4 pumps.

As far as bulbs and R/O unit. Checkout BRS since your already in Golden Valley. Ryan *seamonkey* is great to work with.
 
Thanks for the info, plus the well wishes folks!

Well, I'm home today with a not so feeling well 18mn old. So, looks like a bit of Infants Motrin for him and a little side trip to SWE for a protein skimmer.

FYI, thanks, I'm definitely checking out BRS; they have a special on RO/DI units - get 5 FREE sediment filters with a unit purchase. I'll be going that route.

Does anyone know if I order today, can I go pick up today? What the order/pick-up process?

Thanks,
Glenn
 
As long as it's placed before 2pm. That's what I did a few days. they charge for shipping, but indicate in the comments you would like to pick up and they will email you to let you knwo it's ready. They are open until 5pm. They will refund the shipping within a few days. They did for me and I didn't even have to say anything.
 
Skimmer, Overflow and bulbs...Oh my!!!

Well, it was a busy afternoon getting some equipment at SWE with a fussy 18mn old; at least he had fun with door to the backroom and running laps around the store - overall, a successful event (thanks for being understanding Fritz!)

Here's what I picked up:

Protein Skimmer - 1 Reef Octopus Extreme 200
ATI T5 bulbs - 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI 12K Aquablue, 1 ATI ProColor

Also, from Bulk Reef Supply:
1 - 75GPD RO/DI 5 Stage *PLUS* System (will pick this up Friday)

And, as a bonus my 1500gph overflow from Glass-holes.com came in!!!

Next steps:
-Take a short breather from the spending spree
-Install the overflow this weekend
-Attempt to assemble the skimmer (I may need a beer for this one).

Of course...pictures of the goodies!!!

Enjoy,
Glenn
 
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nice glenn, glad u could go with the extreme 200. You will be adjusting that skimmer for the first 2 wks constantly. AFter broken in it should be easier to dial it in.
 
Great build thread, looks like your making sure to get it right the 1st time around!

Did you say "beer" and "SCUBA"?? Awesome!!!! :gay1::greenguy:

Welcome to the SW addiction!!!
 
acharpenter said:
Great build thread, looks like your making sure to get it right the 1st time around!

Did you say "beer" and "SCUBA"?? Awesome!!!! :gay1::greenguy:

Welcome to the SW addiction!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks!!! Just make sure it's beer AFTER SCUBA, no sense "feeding the fishes" through a regulator...;)
 
Thanks everyone for the props!!!

I plan on taking a tons of build pictures if possible - especially of assembling the overflow and of the sump/skimmer. Being a "picture person" in both visualizing things and of taking pics in general; I found that I needed/wanted more "in-process" pics of these things - mostly due to being a reef :lots:

Hopefully this will help others but if anything it's pretty cool to see a tank's progress from dream to reality.

Cheers! :beerchug:

Glenn
 
Heater recommendations?

Any thoughts on heaters?

I have a glass 200w from my 55g but I plan on using that for the RO/DI water storage barrel or the SW mix/storage barrel.

I planning on 2 titanium heaters (failure redundancy); I just don't know what wattage. I know their will be some heating from pumps/powerheads and the tank room does hover around 72 degrees F (sometimes warmer if the TV or PC is on) - but I need to account for our lovely Minnesota winter temps.

Inputs appreciated!
 
BRS RO/DI Plus unit...

Well, picked up my 75gpd RO/DI "Plus" unit from BRS. Not too bad to find - just use Google satellite maps!;)

Here are pictures of the unit, the "plus" adds in a dual TDS meter, pressure gauge and a flush unit - not too shabby.

I'll be installing this in the basement near the laundry sink into a 55g barrel. I plan to stall a float switch for that barrel.

More pics...
 
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RedHeckle said:
Thanks!!! Just make sure it's beer AFTER SCUBA, no sense "feeding the fishes" through a regulator...;)
Click to expand...

Amen dude!

Curious, cant find it listed anywhere - have you looked into an aqua controller? With all your doing to get this right the first time I would think that may be on your list. Not a complete necessity but definetly worth the money
 
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